“Thank you…” Yang Zicang managed a pained smile.
-｛Distributor February. Di’an expressed eager anticipation for my supply.｝
Yang Zicang was caught between laughter and tears at Odysseus’ joke, but then he spotted a familiar figure leaning on a wooden walking stick, hobbling into the darkness at the edge. A thought suddenly dawned on him: Perhaps this wasn’t a joke at all?
Leina jumped down from the flying carpet and, sobbing, ran over to Yang Zicang: “I’m sorry… It’s all my fault…“
The outward appearance of this person before him was thoroughly battered and broken.
Yang Zicang feebly raised his hand and patted her head: “It’s okay… It’s all over now.“
He looked toward Bai Yuxian not far away; by now, several figures had already begun hurrying back towards them.
Then Yang Zicang fixed his gaze upon that receding silhouette, the one that turned back with a smile before departing.
He Yishu was at a loss, not knowing exactly how to help steady him.
“It’s nothing, just some flesh wounds. A little rest and I should be fine.” With that, Yang Zicang summoned the stone coffin once more under the watch of those present, selecting two healing-type Ability Spheres from within.
｛I used Trauma Revitalization; I spent 5N.｝
｛I used Scorching Inversion; I consumed 3N.｝
Odysseus studied the stone coffin from head to toe. He turned his head and could see the visible regeneration effect unfolding across the surface of Yang Zicang’s body.
“Hey, I said, aren’t you going to come over and chat with me?” Odysseus gave a faint nod of his chin toward Leina’s direction.
It was only at this moment that Yang Zicang realized the Maiden and Suo En were still watching him closely.
He quickly gestured to the two that he needed to leave for a moment, shot Bai Yuxian a meaningful look, put away the stone coffin, and followed Odysseus into the nearby mist that had yet to dissipate.
“Just a little more time, and that stone pillar could have been kept as a mold. ” Odysseus said, feigning regret.
Only then did Yang Zicang have the peace of mind to turn and look at the pile of collapsed rock debris.
He might indeed have gotten a demonic essence, but now he was more concerned about something else.
……
“Who was that person just now? “
Filled with suspicion, Yang Zicang asked the distributor who had appeared. Then, as if suddenly thinking of something, he added, “Oh, and by the way, what level distributor are you? “
“Level Four, oh~ ” the man said, putting his hands behind his head. “Just call me Odysseus. As for that guy… As a Fogfolk, isn’t it your business to create difficulties out of no difficulties to gather intel? Why would you ask someone like me to get it so easily? “
He grinned. “Of course, if you’re willing to sell me this experience, I wouldn’t mind letting you in on a bit of leftover gossip. “
Yang Zicang’s eyes lit up.
“Can we exchange contact information? “
-｛Distributor February. Di’an expresses anticipation for my supply.｝
Yang Zicang’s enthusiasm waned slightly. He cleared his throat and let out a little grunt.
Bai Yuxian walked over. Odysseus turned to glance at him, then said to Yang Zicang,
“Alright, alright, you two carry on. I’ll go check on them. “
Odysseus smiled, gesturing for Yang Zicang to approach Bai Yuxian first, then walked toward the two Fogfolk who were pushing through the windblown smoke. “Hey, hey, you two over there. I’m the distributor from the fourth floor. Interested in doing business? “
Yang Zicang withdrew his gaze and turned to face the man before him.
“Why are you here? “
This guy should have been caught by Soldier No.4, shouldn’t he?
As if reading his confusion, Bai Yuxian voluntarily spoke up: “I was let out this time. “
“Let out? “
“That’s right. ” Bai Yuxian’s tone was deep and somber. “They want me to infiltrate that Divine Hotel you’re currently taking control of, and engage in bidding at the critical moment to make you fail. “
-｛Distributor Loki Tata Mingqi senses I might be heralding the prelude to a new splendor.｝
A flicker of sneer crossed Yang Zicang’s crumpled face, which he was still trying to smooth out.
“So then, what’s your plan? “
“I’m at your disposal. “
-｛Distributor Tata Mingqi expresses “uncertainty. “｝
Bai Yuxian just stared at him, expressionless like a prisoner awaiting judgment.
“Why are you telling me all this on your own? Oh, you just mentioned you’re bidding for two floors of rooms, so there should be another person involved, right? “
“Yes. ” Bai Yuxian nodded. “That person is… I’d rather not say that name. “
Yang Zicang immediately sensed something was up.
Just then.
In the distance, survivors cautiously emerged from their hiding spots, looking in disbelief at the collapsed giant pillars and the now-quiet night sky.
Someone was the first to shout: “We… are saved! “
Then, cheers gradually arose, growing louder and stronger, eventually merging into a maddening roar of survival.
-｛Distributor May Valkyrie indicates I have gestated a new and brilliant prelude.｝
-｛Distributor Valkyrie looks forward to my provision of goods.｝
……
A carriage was traveling along the potholed and uneven horse path.
Major Otto, in plain clothes, asked with concern the bespectacled elderly researcher across from him: “Mr. Sars Vilaskxr, we can’t take the car here. Can you handle this rather bumpy ride? “
“What’s there not to handle? Do you truly take me for someone who’s always lived out his days in sweet luxury? “
Major Otto smiled. The man before him was actually no common person. Externally just a decrepit old ex-surgeon, his real…bearing was a Department Authority old general. His rank was Major General of the Imperial Army, flanked by privileges for the special assignment leading new… military… military researchers dispatched to frontier edge: everything ready… one needed across what would imply present only one probable deduction and left station as this lay start… old… newly . literally putting before operation done and clearly noted office and duty area correspondently shown up above details . General officer…
Old Mr. Vyralxr laxis was holding a report on the sphere Blood pollution incident of the town … yes, far as latest movement matching follow up completion known from – this route entering moment passed ongoing record data code checking .
Wait, available only for the unit running …
“Uh… ” Otto paused briefly, then chuckled. “As expected of Mr. Weiss. For us, the focus was always on the origin of their force-field barrier and the man, Yang Buchen, who can contain bloodlines almost miraculously. Surely you’re aware, sir, that he seized the moment and stirred up quite a commotion as soon as he arrived. “
“Oh? Yes, indeed. ” Sas Weiss, having only slept through the early half of the night, adjusted his glasses and looked over. “Speaking of him, I see in this report that he was once hunted by Soldier No. 4 from the ‘Bloodcore’ organization. “
“What? Really? “
Sas smiled. He paid no mind to whether this young man in front of him knew the truth or was feigning ignorance. “From what I’ve heard, his individual combat ability is not particularly high. Considering his performance these past few times, if he continues to accumulate the Blood-line Circuit to the third ring, he should qualify for an invitation to join that association. “
“That conference… ” Major Otto thought for a moment. For an association to be mentioned by Major General Sas, it must be related to a powerful Fog Person.
Suddenly, he lifted his head two seconds later. “Could it be that the association you’re referring to held that meeting convened at the end of the previous continental era? “
Sas nodded solemnly.
Otto’s eyes widened in surprise as joy flickered across his face. “You’re serious? But isn’t such a summit only authorized if the ultimate fate of the continent is set to be triggered and rewritten—or at least partially altered? Otherwise, wouldn’t those who attend such an assembly likely meet a calamitous end? “
Weiss lifted his gaze, fixing his eyes on the carriage ceiling.
Otto followed her gaze. He knew the Major General wasn’t looking at the small, secret-like compartment of the carriage, but at the vast nothingness stretching thousands of miles beyond it.
Suddenly, the carriage door was knocked on urgently.
“What is it? ” Otto whispered seriously.
“Urgent intelligence. A Corrupted-level Nightmare appeared east of Hydropower City half an hour ago. It is suspected that someone deliberately leaked intelligence from the Secret Box. “
“What! ” Saas Velasquez pushed the carriage door open in shock and fury. The liaison officer, dressed as a house servant, immediately stepped back a pace, standing in the night wind.
“Those bastards! Over four hundred years of ancient knowledge! Who did it? Have we found out? “
“Not quite yet, ” the liaison officer replied.
“Major General, you’re being too hard on them. This is entirely an accident. It will likely take at least tomorrow night to get to the bottom of it. “
“Thank you, Major. Although we don’t have a clear culprit, there is a likely scope. It concerns Yang Buchen, the ‘Hero of White Violet City.’ “
Saas’s eyes flickered. “Oh? Him again? “
“What happened to him? ” Otto asked, also somewhat surprised. He had a vague guess, but… this was a Corrupted-level Nightmare, after all.
“According to the intelligence just received, this Corrupt Spirit-class nightmare surfaced less than a quarter of an hour ago, only to be intercepted and miraculously eliminated by Yang Buchen, who happened to be nearby. At the commotion, a man ran up, handing a document to the liaison officer. After scanning it, the officer then presented it with both hands toward the interior of the carriage. “
“Our scout speculates that Yang Buchen may already possess an ‘Ether Beacon Business Card’; otherwise, he must be wielding a rare, designated spatial displacement modular device. “
Beneath the gently swaying, low-hanging ceiling light of the small firefly lamp, Major General Sass’s gaze darted quickly over the document before him.
“Truly… a fellow who continuously spins miracles. Should I call him a genius, or claim he’s blessed by Lady Fortune? I’ve made up my mind! “—The old man smacked the file in his hand firmly— “Let’s go straight to him. I’ll offer him one of my three recommendation slots. “
“Huh?! “
Otto covered his mouth instantly after his dumbfounded query, darted a glance skyward.
Even if there was just the faintest chance, he knew better than to casually query a major general in a normal exchange about what authorization ensured the association he mentioned would indeed host the session.
……
Hiss,softer, please.
The morning sunlight spilled into the yard within the Fog People’s Claim.
From behind a single pane of glass, Yang Zicang gingerly applied medicinal ointment to the ‘big boy’ seated opposite him, his movements tender beneath the caring gaze of the young woman across the table.
Last night’s scorching heat had nearly burned off his entire outer layer of scales. The newly grown face was covered in scars, devoid of hair, and he hadn’t stopped wearing that hat.
“Big brother, you can fix my face, right? “
“Yes, yes, I’ll fix it. “
“You have to promise me. ” Liana said, aggrieved.
“Fine, I promise. ” Yang Zicang turned his head to look at Odysseus, who had just walked in.
This man wasn’t especially eager to acquire his experience. Why would he be? Last night alone, he’d already bought up several brilliant narrations from others—quite a few “Radiant Highlights, ” by now.
After all, encountering a fourth-level distributor who’s still active here? The leverage should swing in favor of the few Moon People newcomers trying to sell their slice of Moon Realm realities to wider gates.
“So? Got something for you: I have medicine that can heal that face of yours. How about selling me last night’s portion? I’ll buy it at face value—outright—and give you the meds as a freebie. “
- ｛Distributor The People-Lens Di’an manifests interest in receiving my supply orders of fragments each signature piece of storyfall for collateral fusing processes…｝
- ｛Agent: Di’an’s wariness heaves heavy all threads watching me live-link bar of experience-markers. Unblinking clarity path-carve now shifting.｝
Yang Zicang glanced at the pendant on his chest. Odysseus, sliding into a seat by the table, followed his gaze and chuckled dryly.
Yang Zicang felt a sharp stab of awkwardness slam home, filling the air unmistakably now unshakable against sound of moment broken open like obsidian slice across oxygen.
Right now, it was hard to push forward, too painful to give in straight… though—
…I do have not just one, but two ’Axiom-Helves’ set inward toward exchange need bridge ready-placed–
“Face-value off chance purchase place of account growth’s spark-rival echo holdings refuel? ” clear tone drop-lit by ice-line straight scrape of too-cool honesty cuts glass fiber?
Yang Zicang touched his still-stinging cheek. His eyes lingered for a brief stillness on Odysseus’ smile-pulled structure framing weather-map gleams. “It does sound tempting, but… “
His fingers vaguely rubbed unconscious helix-fire upon drop between palm and the pendant cradle of tension-construct shaped constant bright against reflection weight sent like his near-defiant pivot’s fresh.
“Damn it, if I look away direct-link Dian’s Watch, there’s no doubt that bastard’s going to haul me straight onto his personal blacklist right then and there. “
“Hmm… I think I’d like to keep this experience for now, ” Yang Zicang finally said, a glint of amusement flickering in Odeiss’s eyes.
“Pity, ” Odeiss shrugged, casually shuffling the deck of cards in his hands as if making light of it. “Then that pretty face of yours will have to suffer a little longer. Wounds from a Corrupted Spirit-level Nightmare aren’t easy to shake off—even if you use an Ability Sphere to repair them. Of course, I’m just saying it won’t be that quick. “
Upon hearing this, Nana’s movements grew even lighter, her eyes filled with worry.
“Brother Buchen… “
“It’s fine. ” Yang Zicang smiled at her, then turned to Odeiss. “But about that ‘Secret Box’… how much do you know? “
Odeiss’s shuffling motion paused almost imperceptibly.
- ｛Distributor February Di’an expresses keen interest.｝
- ｛Distributor Loki Tata Mingqi signals “approval. “｝ “Hmm… I can only say it’s tied to a council, or perhaps a conference, from the last era, ” Odeiss said with a raised eyebrow, his tone casual, but his gaze turned serious. “The end of the last era… “
For a moment, the room fell silent, broken only by the faint sound of Nana tightening the cap on the ointment jar.
The cynicism on Odeiss’s face slowly faded. He studied Yang Zicang closely, as if seeing him clearly for the first time.
“Those gatherings… ” Odeiss began slowly, his voice dropping to a lower register, “The more you know about them, the heavier the blow to you. Your strength just isn’t there yet. “
With that, he stood up. “Forget it, you can keep your little complacency. ” He said as he walked out.
“Brother, that man is really strange, ” Lianna whispered.
“Mm, people in his line of work are all like that. ” Yang Zicang ruffled her hair, trying to lighten the mood. “Alright, my face will stay like this for now. We need to go see Mr. Thorne, and… sigh… “
What was he supposed to do about Lianna? Yang Zicang’s mind was churning with anxiety.
After all, he wasn’t really that connected to this little girl.
Just then, a commotion arose from outside the courtyard gate, mixed with the light clatter of horse hooves on stone and a few crisp, commanding voices.
“Is this the place? “
“It should be. “
Yang Zicang and Lianna exchanged a glance, then got up and walked to the window.
Outside, a dusty carriage had stopped at the entrance of the humble courtyard beside the Mistfolk’s rented land. Several attendants, dressed like ordinary folks but moving with the crisp efficiency of soldiers, stood guard around it.
The curtain was pulled aside, and an elderly man with glasses and an academic air, supported by a lean, capable young man, got off the carriage with some difficulty.
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